Mollie Boutell-Butler - Explorer’s Guide Wisconsin

Copyright 2016 by Mollie Boutell-Butler

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In memory of Mary Butler, the kindest mother-in-law,
and biggest fan of this guide.

EXPLORE WITH US!

Among the things I learned as I worked on the first edition is that Wisconsin is a very big state. Of course, I knew that beforeIve lived here all my lifebut trying to cover all that ground during my research really drove it home. This guide is intended to get you to all corners of Wisconsinproviding not just direction, but also the impetus. There is so much more going on just beyond the highways here than most people realize. I hope this guide will surprise readers, and allow them to discover new favorite spots.

Wisconsin: An Explorers Guide is an easy-to-use and comprehensive guide to the state. Ive arranged the chapters into generally accepted regions and titled them as such, so that you and the locals will be on the same page. Subchapters are based strictly on proximity in some cases, but in others those chapters cover much more land, because the towns are smaller and spread apart, but the attractions are considered as one. Heres a rundown of whats in each chapter.

WHATS WHERE Theres an alphabetical reference in the beginning of the book that highlights important information and Wisconsin trivia. Its a good place to peek for quick state park guidance and the definition of bubbler.

LODGING The lodgings in this guide were chosen on their merits; nobody has to pay to get listed. Please dont hold us or the innkeepers responsible for the listed rates as of press time. Keep in mind that things can change, and always verify the information. Wisconsin sales tax at press time was 55.5 percent. Local room taxes range from 58 percent.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

RESTAURANTS Restaurants are grouped into two categories: Dining Out and Eating Out. Dining Out is meant for pricier, finer affairs, while Eating Out is for less expensive establishments. Keep in mind, though, that in Wisconsin theres a huge gray area of upscale casual, or casual fine dining, or the supper clubwhich offers pricey food, but never demands you dress up.

We would appreciate any comments or corrections. Please write to:

Explorers Guide Editor

The Countryman Press

A division of W. W. Norton & Company

500 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10110

CONTENTS

FOX VALLEY
Including Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, and Oshkosh

VILAS COUNTY
Including Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Woodruff, Manitowish Waters, and Lac Du Flambeau

NORTHERN WISCONSIN: EAST TO THE UPPER PENINSULA
Including Rhinelander, Oconto, Marinette, Forest, and Shawano

NORTHWOODS, WEST TO SUPERIOR:
Including Bayfield, Ashland, Hurley, Superior, Hayward, and St. Croix

W ithout a doubt, I will fail to thank everyone who ought to be thanked, but Ill give it a shot. The family, friends, and parents of Moms coworkers who put me up for a night or two, gave tours, and offered wonderful recommendations include: Jerry and Mary Butler, Carol and Gerald Boutell, Becky and Craig Filiatreaux, Leon and Betty Shellswick, and many others. Im also very grateful for the folks at the conventions and visitors bureaus who went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed, including Jean Galasinski at the Trempealeau Chamber of Commerce, Stephanie Sabo at the Greater Madison Convention Visitors Bureau, Becky Seiler and Melanie Platt-Gibson at the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau, Grace C. Eckland at the Lake Geneva Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Jodi McMahon at the Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce. Finally, the many people involved in this project or my life who demonstrated seemingly limitless patience, including Kim Grant and the rest of the folks at Countryman Press, who provided encouragement at the roughest times; Sarah Bissen; my husband, Joel; and my kids, who celebrated when I completed the book.

W isconsin. The license plates may read Americas Dairyland, and there may be a cow on the state quarter, but in truth there is no one way to define Wisconsin. From world-class arts and exceptional dining in the urban centers of Milwaukee and Madison to the untouched majesty of the Northwoods, Wisconsin offers something for everyone. If its flyover country to some bicoastal travelers, folks around here know that Wisconsin may just be the nations best-kept travel secret. Of course, its no secret in these parts; Wisconsins tourism industry rakes in a whopping $13 billion annually, with 58 percent of those dollars coming from state residents.

So, what do Wisconsinites know that other Americans dont? Simply put, Wisconsin is astonishingly rich in both land and culture. Sure, we like our cheese. We really do. But that guy on TV wearing a foam Cheesehead at a Packers game is a very small part of the larger picture. A closer look reveals land thats wilder and more varied than the farmland you expect. It reveals ethnic diversity and pride, a strong sense of history, and perhaps unexpected sophistication.

The Wisconsin landscape is remarkable. Advancing and retreating glaciers during the Ice Age left the state with stunning geography. Along with 15 million acres of forest (thats 46 percent of the land), Wisconsin boasts 15,000 lakes, 33,000 miles of river, bogs, marshes, moraines, and more. In southwestern and south central Wisconsin youll find the Driftless Area, so named because of its lack of glacial drift. Here, rolling hills, valleys, and striking rock formations that existed before the Ice Age mark the land. Small wonder Frank Lloyd Wright, a native of this area, designed his buildings to fit their environment so well.